City Manager Eric Holmes issued civil emergency order 2020-15, which amends order 2020-11 and allows playgrounds in city parks to reopen, effective immediately. The amendment will be reviewed by Vancouver City Council at their regular meeting Monday, July 6.
At all city parks, the Vancouver Parks and Recreation Department has reopened playgrounds; sports courts; the Leverich Park disc golf course; Swift Skate Park; and public restrooms. Picnic areas, barbeques and shelters are open on a first come, first served basis; shelter reservations will resume Aug. 1. The water play features at Esther Short Park and Vancouver Waterfront Park remain closed at this time.
The city has also reopened Wintler Community Park to public use. The park is especially popular in the summer due to its beach access. Visitors are reminded to choose a different location if the park is crowded and to continue to practice physical distancing.
Park users are asked to stay home if they are sick or experiencing any symptoms of illness, or have been in contact with someone diagnosed or suspected of having COVID-19 in the last 14 days. They should wash or sanitize their hands before and after visiting the park and when using park equipment or structures. There is no regular sanitizing schedule for park amenities at this time and the Vancouver Parks and Recreation cannot guarantee that they are free from the COVID-19 virus.
Visitors should continue to practice physical distancing of at least six feet between themselves and others. Groups should not exceed five people while Clark County is in Phase 2 of the Safe Start Washington reopening plan, or 50 people when the county enters Phase 3. In compliance with the Washington state mandate, face coverings should be worn in areas where physical distance is difficult to maintain, including on playgrounds.
Organized and drop-in games are now allowed on sports courts. Continue to practice physical distancing and wear face coverings when that is not possible. Visitors should avoid physical contact during sports or fitness activities.
The full text of the city’s civil emergency orders are available online.
